What a tragedy! Yesterday, during the day while browsing GW, I turned the TV off. When my dh came home he asked if I heard anything about a bombing in Boston. I turned on the Tv. What I saw reminded me of 911. Another horror! Monsters killing innocents. The image keeps playing over and over in my mind. I feel terrrible for all in Boston, but the little 8-yr-old boy who died troubles me the most. His father said, right before the first bomb went off, his son hugged him. How sad is that? I hope and PRAY the bomber/s are caught. This may sound cruel, but criminals are getting away with slaps on the wrists. Murderers! Whomever did this should be tortured. Sorry, my words are graphic but everyday there are murders. It's time the government changes laws. I called Mike immediately after the news reported cell phones weren't working..All I got was a fast busy signal, which meant he was either receiving several calls at once, or cells were out. Thank God everyone here is safe, at home, with your families. Give your loved ones hugs. Tell them you love them. Laura, your friends and family are in my prayers. Toni

I can understand your concern, of course. However, from what you say, you were really just casual acquaintances. I think you just need to sit back and realize that whatever is going on, she's made it clear she's not ready to share it with you (and may never be). The ball's in her court--if she wants to be in touch she will, if she wants to give you more details, that's up to her. I'd give her time, and next time you e-mail (at your usual annual time), just let her know you're there for her if she needs anything, and let it go at that.

As hard as it is to read this, I hope it helps you just a little to write it all down. I had to stop reading halfway through then pick up again--stranger and much more awful than fiction, for sure. I'm so very glad you had help and wonder how you can possibly hold up; Jody too. Oh, Marilyn. (I did smile just a little at your cussing. Must have felt good. Some people chatter on and on when they're nervous or scared.)

I really only lurk on this forum and read just a few of the posts that have subject titles that interest me. But I read with interest the saga of rescuing Val and know from other posts what a godsend to unfortunate creatures Marilyn is. And how devastating all this must be to anyone that loves animals as much as she does and is forced to see them suffer through no fault of their own. It's bad enough for all the humans that must endure the chaos, devastation and rebuilding that lay ahead but I can't imagine how awful it must be to see your own animals drown!! While I am about as far removed from the situation in Texas and Louisiana as possible, I sympathize greatly with all you must deal with. I just can't imagine anything like this.....it is completely out of my frame of reference! And while it is not much, I was at the local grocery store yesterday (Safeway) and there was a sign at every register stating that they were collecting for Hurricane Harvey relief and you could donate at checkout. Every single person in line did so. And since Safeway is a national chain, I can only hope their other stores across the country are doing the same and that the volume of donations can in some small way alleviate this terrible catastrophe. We are all here to support as best we can.....emotionally and financially.